If medical care is needed immediately to preserve life or avoid permanent harm, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ED)/emergency room (ER) or call 911. Two examples are severe pain and major trauma.

Also, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 right away if you have any signs or symptoms of a life-threatening condition, such as:

Most health plan benefits are designed to encourage use of a primary care provider for routine care. Urgent care is an additional care option for those occasional times when the need is not life-threatening, but more immediate.

With your consent, you can have one common medical record that can be securely accessed by caregivers at Allina Health clinics, Allina Health hospitals, and other health care providers on the same electronic health record system (affiliated providers).

If you're an Allina Health patient, a MyChart e-Visit can give you answers about conditions like diarrhea, heartburn, red eye, colds, flu and sinus problems. We'll respond with a diagnosis and treatment plan within one hour, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Retail health clinics, such as MinuteClinic, located in grocery and drug stores are another option. For more about MinuteClinic, visit minuteclinic.com.

Do an eVisit online

For Allina Health patients with a MyChart account, getting a diagnosis and treatment plan for common illness is easy, without a trip to the clinic. EVisits are available for colds, flu, sinus problems, diarrhea, heartburn, red eye and more. Schedule an eVisit.